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Bill

HB 1570

TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE DISPOSITION OF NARCOTIC DRUGS OF A DECEDENT.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Paul Childress

HB 1570 aimed to require coroners and law enforcement to securely collect and dispose of narcotic drugs from deceased individuals to prevent misuse and enhance public safety.

WITHDRAWN BY AUTHOR
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Bill Summary · HB 1570

Summary of House Bill 1570

Bill Information

  • Bill Number: HB 1570
  • Title: To Amend the Law Concerning the Disposition of Narcotic Drugs of a Decedent
  • Status: Withdrawn by Author
  • Introduced: February 24, 2025
  • Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1570 aimed to amend existing laws regarding the handling and disposal of narcotic drugs found on deceased individuals. The primary intent was to enhance the safety and legality of disposing of prescription medication narcotic drugs to prevent misuse or illegal distribution.

Key Provisions

The bill proposed several amendments to Arkansas Code § 14-15-306, specifically focusing on the following areas:

  1. Collection and Security:

    • A coroner would be required to collect and secure any prescription medication narcotic drugs from a decedent to prevent illegal or harmful use.
    • Law enforcement officers would also have the authority to collect and secure narcotic drugs from decedents.

  2. Disposal Procedures:

    • Collected narcotic drugs would need to be disposed of under a circuit court order or forwarded to the Department of Health within 30 days for proper destruction, in accordance with § 20-64-214.

  3. Exemptions:

    • The provisions of this section would not apply to prescription medications in the custody of institutional healthcare providers or hospice nurses, which are governed by other laws regarding medication disposal.

  4. Definition:

    • The bill defined "narcotic drug" as per the existing definition in § 20-64-201.

Impact

If enacted, HB 1570 would have impacted:
- Coroners and Law Enforcement: They would have had clear guidelines and responsibilities regarding the collection and disposal of narcotic drugs from deceased individuals.
- Public Health and Safety: The bill aimed to reduce the risk of narcotic drugs being misused or illegally distributed after a person's death.
- Healthcare Providers: Institutional healthcare providers and hospice nurses would remain unaffected by these specific provisions, as their practices are already regulated under different laws.

Legislative Actions

  • February 24, 2025: Bill filed.
  • February 25, 2025: Read for the first time, rules suspended, read a second time, and referred to the Committee on City, County & Local Affairs.
  • March 3, 2025: Withdrawn by the author.

Conclusion

While HB 1570 was withdrawn shortly after its introduction, it represented an effort to clarify and strengthen the legal framework surrounding the disposal of narcotic drugs from decedents, aiming to enhance public safety and prevent potential misuse of these substances.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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